Exeter author Nick Macklin releases debut historical novel, Bloody Dominions – The Conquest Trilogy: 1
Journey with those at the heart of the conflict as Caesar embarks on the tumultuous conquest of Gaul
58-56 BCE. As Caesar’s campaign unfolds, tests of courage and belief will confront the three protagonists, shap- ing them as individuals and challenging their views of the world and each other:
Atticus – an impetuous but naturally gifted soldier, whose grandfather served with distinction in the legions; Allerix – a Chieftain of the Aduatuci, who finds himself...
Living Coasts, in Torquay, famous for its penguins, has helped inspire a novelist to write a book featuring penguins – published by Penguin.
The novel, by Exmoor-based writer Hazel Prior, is called Away With The Penguins. Living Coasts' Senior Keeper, Jason Keller, helped Hazel with her research into hand-rearing baby penguins.
Away With The Penguins has been described as a life-affirming adventure featuring a cranky older lady and a lot of very engaging penguins. Living Coasts spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “We’re used to people carrying out research here – but it’s...
'The War Nurses' is the debut novel by Lizzie Page, released by Bookouture in April 2018.
'The War Nurses' is based on the incredible Elsie Knocker from Exeter and her friend, Mairi Chisholm from Cheddington. When the First World war broke out, Elsie and Mairi volunteered for an ambulance corp. Concerned that they needed to get closer to the action, the moved to a cellar house in Pervyse just yards from the Western Front. They were there for three and a half years and saved hundreds of lives and were ultimately honoured by the Belgian Govt. They had to support themselves which...
Lord of the Flies, the classic novel by William Golding, marks the 60th anniversary of its publication today (17 September).
The same day, a significant part of Golding’s archive, including the manuscript of his most famous novel, will be consigned to the University of Exeter on long-term loan.
This will be the first time that academics, students and members of the public will have extensive access to the drafts of Golding’s published novels, providing the opportunity to see and study in detail the workings of the Nobel Laureate.
Local author Margaret James is one of the contenders shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's (RNA) most prestigious award - the Romantic Novel of the Year 2014. This year the overall winner of the Award will receive a cheque for £5000 in addition to a trophy to mark the occasion.
Darcey Bussell CBE will announce the winner of each of five categories at the Gladstone Library, One Whitehall Place, London SW1 on 17th March at 6.45 p.m.
The categories from which the 30 final books have been drawn are: Contemporary Romantic Novel, Epic Romantic Novel, Historical...
Working in a local authority cemeteries department inspired Devon author Kate Vane’s new novel, Not the End.
Kate said, “The job made me think about our attitudes to death, particularly when someone died without friends and family and the local authority had to take charge of the funeral arrangements. Often they weren’t poor, or a loner, as people think. They had just outlived everyone who was close to them.”
Not the End is set in a fictitious Devon seaside town during a heatwave. It begins with the death of octogenarian sea swimmer Maud Smith, recently arrived from...
Do you have a writing ailment? Your story is going well but there’s something adrift and you’re not quite sure what. The beginning’s good but then it seems to peter out? Do you struggle with point of view?
In the supportive and encouraging atmosphere of a workshop novelist, Sophie Duffy and lecturer, Cathie Hartigan will offer efficacious advice after the reading and discussion either of the whole piece or relevant passages.
For more info and booking: www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk
